Guest post by Nathalia Almeida, from Llama Travel.

Visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The seclusion of this Inca marvel in the mountains, with no roads connecting it to the outside world, has helped preserve its splendour. Although many people choose to trek for four days across the Andes to get to the site, fortunately, it’s also possible to reach Machu Picchu in luxury by taking a deluxe train and staying in exclusive boutique hotels.

On the Road to Machu Picchu

There are a couple of ways to travel to the Lost City of the Incas, a highlight of any trip to Peru: you can either take a train or trek. There are various train options, the most premium of which, by far, is the Hiram Bingham Train by Belmond. The 1920s-style Pullman coaches immediately take you back to a time when luxury and service reigned. Gourmet food is served for lunch and dinner, and in the bar carriage, there is live music and dancing, as well as an open balcony that looks out over the back of the train. Ask the barman to make you a Pisco Sour, Peru’s sweet-and-citrusy national drink. A few more of those, and you’ll have arrived at Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes town, at the foot of Machu Picchu, is an unusual place. While not conventionally picturesque, the town’s natural setting, with the Urubamba River flowing alongside and towering limestone peaks rising from the cloud forest, is undeniably stunning. It offers a bustling atmosphere with its pedestrianised streets lined with cafés, guesthouses, and market stalls. The town, “Aguas Calientes” (Spanish for “Hot Waters”), is named after its natural thermal springs that have long welcomed weary travellers coming off the Inca Trail, providing them with a chance to relax. There is a thermal bathhouse in town sourced by the springs, but it’s a bit rough and ready.

If you’re looking for a special place to stay, we recommend these two places, neither of which is located right in the town itself: the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel overlooking the ruins, and the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, set in a private reserve in the cloud forest just outside the town. Both hotels have their own special appeal and offer a range of unique experiences.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, in particular, offers a serene experience in the cloud forest. The hotel’s 83 whitewashed casitas (“small houses”), spread across twelve acres, provide a rustic and peaceful setting. Guests can enjoy charming rooms surrounded by the forest filled with hummingbirds, walks, and a stunning orchid trail showcasing over 350 species of orchids.

Luca Newbold, Llama Travel’s director, got married at Machu Picchu, and part of his ceremony was held at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. He has returned many times since on regular visits to Peru.

“Despite the quirkiness of Aguas Calientes, when I visit Machu Picchu, I love staying in the valley at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel just outside of the town. I love the rustic style of the hotel, with the casitas dotted throughout the grounds, giving it the feel of a small village. The rooms are full of character with terracotta-tiled floors, eucalyptus beams, and colourful local textiles adorning the walls.”

The rooms in the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel are simple and comfortable, but for Luca, what really makes this hotel stand out is the romantic cloud forest setting. It’s a world away from the frenetic buzz of tourists coming to visit Machu Picchu:

“Crossing a wooden bridge, you escape from the hustle of Aguas Calientes and enter a little paradise. The hotel is set in a peaceful cloud forest where hummingbirds flit around the feeders and trails wind through the trees and ferns. The orchid trail is particularly special, where over 350 species of orchids have been identified. One of my favourite things about the hotel is walking to my room after dark when the paths are illuminated by lamplight.

“One of the highlights of my various visits was seeing a wild spectacled bear – like Paddington – clambering up the cliff face opposite the hotel whilst enjoying breakfast in the restaurant. For those who are less lucky, there is also a spectacled bear conservation project on the hotel grounds, where you can visit rescued bears that are being rehabilitated in exchange for a donation to the project. If you’re willing to get up early, there’s also a guided tropical bird walk, but when I’ve been up early, it’s always been to visit the ruins.”

The opportunities to see local wildlife are one of the things that make the hotel special. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to get more out of their visit to the ruins. However, after a long day of walking around, you may prefer to just sit back and relax in the hotel’s spa.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, with only 31 rooms, is an exclusive retreat that offers guests unmatched proximity to the ruins. This proximity allows guests to enjoy the site early in the morning or late in the afternoon, avoiding the crowds. The rooms, some of which have terraces with views of Huayna Picchu, provide a luxurious and comfortable stay. The lodge’s restaurant serves gourmet cuisine inspired by local Peruvian ingredients, making every meal a memorable experience. The lodge also offers spa treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Gary, Llama Travel’s Sales Manager, visited the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge for his honeymoon and found it to be a truly special place. “Mere steps from the entrance to Machu Picchu, the Sanctuary Lodge is a special hotel in a very special location. After a good night’s sleep, we rose very early to be the first people to enter the site of Machu Picchu and had it to ourselves for a time before the crowds arrived from the valley below. We felt very lucky to have the place to ourselves, even if only for a short time. Afterwards, we returned to the hotel for a sumptuous breakfast.”

As someone who’s been to Peru several times, Gary can attest to the fact that Machu Picchu is never empty. As one of the new seven wonders of the world, the ruins are always well-populated with tourists, even in bad weather. Whilst the Sanctuary Lodge doesn’t have exclusive rights to early entrance, being nearby means you don’t have to wake up at 5 am and queue for a bus if you want to be the first in. You can simply roll out of bed and stroll over to the ruins when they open at 6 am.

Staying at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is not just about luxury accommodation; it’s about experiencing Machu Picchu in a unique and tranquil way. Guests can enjoy the surrounding jungle, where hummingbirds flit around feeders or indulge in spa treatments. It’s the perfect choice for those who want to spoil themselves and enjoy the ruins without the crowds.

Conclusion

Machu Picchu offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern luxury that captivates travellers from around the world. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge offers unparalleled proximity to the ruins, granting guests first access to Machu Picchu and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With personalised experiences and luxurious amenities, the Sanctuary Lodge offers comfort in the heart of the Andes. Whether you choose the cloud-forest charm of the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or the exclusive luxury of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu continues to inspire awe and wonder, inviting travellers to embark on a journey of discovery through history and nature.